The Shell House Detectives
About The Shell House Detectives
"A cleverly plotted and thoroughly enjoyable book about dark deeds in beautiful places."—Elly GriffithsWelcome to the coastal paradise of Porthpella, where murder lurks among the dunes…Late one night, a distraught young man knocks on the door of retired and recently widowed Ally Bright’s remote home on the Cornish coast. But before she can make sense of his confused words, he’s gone—not to be seen again until he’s found the next morning at the foot of the nearby cliffs.
In an instant, the peace of Ally’s beachcombing life is shattered. Feeling responsible for the young man’s fate, she wants to help find answers—as does ex-cop Jayden Weston, whom Ally meets at the scene. He shares her certainty that there’s more to the story than attempted suicide.
When it emerges that the man is newly released ex-offender Lewis Pascoe, and that Helena, the wealthy new owner of his grandmother’s home, has subsequently disappeared, the tight-knit community of Porthpella is thrown into turmoil. Driven by their need to know more, the duo decide to investigate the mystery together. Is there a connection between the Pascoe family’s tragic history and Helena’s disappearance?
And if there is a killer stalking Porthpella, do Ally and Jayden have what it takes to catch them?
What readers say
Readers love this Cornish mystery for its coastal village setting, a likeable pair of amateur sleuths whose friendship grows through the book, a supporting cast that includes a scene-stealing dog, and a twisty plot that keeps them guessing. Many also praise its mature, gentle handling of grief and starting over. Common criticisms are a slow, confusing opening, wordy description and present-tense narration, too many points of view, a resolution some saw coming, and a pace that a few find too gentle to be gripping.
Best for: Readers who want a thoughtful seaside British cozy with heart.
Summary of public reader reviews, updated November 2026.
